McLaren Traction Technologies Continues Winning Heritage

4 November 1999

McLaren Traction Technologies Continues Winning Heritage

    LAS VEGAS--Nov. 4, 1999--The automotive aftermarket's largest trade convention, the SEMA Show, is traditionally a place where the industry's best and brightest receive recognition for their products.
    One of SEMA's newest members, McLaren Traction Technologies, has been receiving awards all year long.
    McLaren Traction Technologies is a 1999 Automotive PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contribution to Excellence) Award winner for its patented Gerodisc traction control system. Designed and developed by the company's McLaren Traction Technologies division (formerly ASHA Corporation), Gerodisc is currently under license to tier one and OEM companies. It is in production as a key component of DaimlerChrysler Jeep's Grand Cherokee, used in the Jeep Quadra-Trac II transfer case and the Jeep Quadra-Drive full time four wheel drive system. McLaren Traction Technologies emerged as a winner from a record field of over 89 competing companies.
    The Gerodisc traction control system as used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee was also selected as "Technology of the Year" by Automobile Magazine. This award cited McLaren Traction's patented Gerodisc design as a key element in the revolution in vehicle traction control systems.
    Popular Science Magazine's Annual "Best of What's New" award was also bestowed upon the Jeep Quadra-Drive full-time four wheel drive system with Gerodisc components. The editors also singled out the Jeep as a new generation of sports utility vehicle.
    Peterson Publishing's 4 Wheel & OffRoad Magazine named the Jeep and its Quadra-Drive full-time four wheel drive system as 4x4 of the year. Editor Cole Quinnell was particularly impressed with the Gerodisc based traction system.
    Another McLaren Traction Technologies licensee, Steyr, received Automotive Engineering Magazine's Top Automotive Product Award for its Geromatic traction system. The magazine referred to the Geromatic as one of the "Best of the Best", and selected Steyr from over 1000 competing candidates. Steyr has been awarded multiple licensing agreements by McLaren Traction Technologies, including production of transaxles, all wheel drive couplings, and twin-disc rear axles.
    McLaren Traction Technologies is again a finalist in the 2000 Automotive PACE Awards competition, for a record second consecutive year. McLaren has entered a revolutionary design, manufacturing, and assembly process exemplified by a prototype vehicle code-named "Buddy." The vehicle, designed for use as a taxi in developing nations, showcases McLaren prototyping and design capabilities, including stainless steel, mandrel bent, tubular chassis which can be assembled by hand. The concept also employs thermoformed Senosan plastic body panels with adhesive attachment, again for assembly ease and low cost.
    McLaren Engines is a full service, ISO 9001 registered contract engineering company, with locations in Livonia, Mich. and Santa Barbara, Calif. The company serves OEM, manufacturers, Tier One suppliers, and aftermarket component companies by providing engineering, design, development and certification services.
    McLaren Engines division capabilities include full production, prototype, and racing powertrain design and development programs, software/calibration and development, emission testing and certification programs, prototype component and vehicle builds, driveability development, component/vehicle durability testing, system design/development/mapping and manufacturing, and field service support.
    The company's McLaren Traction Technologies division is best known for its patented Gerodisc limited slip differential technologies.

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created thereby. These statements include the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans and objectives. The forward-looking statements herein are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgements with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive, and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond control of the company. Although the company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any one of the assumptions could be inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate.

    McLaren Engines and McLaren Traction Technologies are divisions of McLaren Automotive Group. The stock is traded on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market .